Dr. Yang Shaozheng, an Economics professor at the Institute of Economics at Guizhou University, had his classes cancelled without explanation and has been questioned on several occasions by the city police in connection to his writings.

CCS urges an end to the harassment of Professor Shaozheng, a return to his classes and to protect his right to pursue his scholarship freely and openly.

The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.

We write to express our concern for Yang Shaozheng, an Economics professor at the Institute of Economics at Guizhou University, whose classes have been cancelled without explanation.

As academics and scholars, we believe that a free and open exchange of ideas is vital, and we are deeply concerned that the suspension of his classes appears contrary to this commitment. We are also disturbed that Professor Yang has been twice questioned by Guizhou city police in connection with his writings.

As an emerging leader in the global academic and scientific world, it is critical that China respect free expression; but these actions taken against Yang Shaozheng call into question China’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom.

We urge you to end the harassment of Yang Shaozheng and instead protect his right to pursue his scholarship freely and openly. We thank you for your attention to this most serious matter, and we look forward to receiving your response.